It was a warm and sunny day. My young family was outside enjoying the golden daffodils and brilliant display of colorful tulips while listening to the breeze rustle the leaves on the trees. Suddenly the wind blew harder and dark clouds appeared.
First a light spray turned into a shower, then it spilled out. We quickly packed up our things and headed to the shelter. Why do we run from the very thing that sustains us?
Whenever there is a severe drought, no one runs away from the rain. Instead, they call out to everyone they know, staring up at the sky as the rain falls on their relieved and happy faces. they take it all in, get into it, walk in it and laugh at it. But that day… That day we ran like the dickens!
As I watch it rain from inside, I often think about how lush and bright the foliage will grow with a good watering. My thoughts turn to episodes in my life that indicate personal growth, achievements, and goals accomplished. So I say, I have to take the time to write this.
It is important to record notable events in the life of each family member and review them from time to time. Writing everything down in a family history record preserves the story for generations to come. But the achievement is not all that the history books should do. There are sunny days and cloudy days, droughts and surprise rains. There are times when you bend over lower to dig deeper and reach higher and many life lessons learned along the way. Best of all lots of laughs and spontaneous fun. These times also deserve to be recorded.
Have fun with family history
And speaking of family history records, it’s always best to keep a record, journal, or blog of your family life, including genealogy, personal accomplishments, contributions to the community, and life in general as you grow up. But family history doesn’t always have to be cut and dry.
Add some life by including some fun photos of the baby in a sudsy bath or the toddler frantically chasing bubbles in the park. Include silly pranks like throwing water on Dad’s head as he sleeps on the porch or the baby’s first attempt at feeding while making a complete mess of a perfectly prepared spaghetti dinner.
Add some light anecdotal stories from family interviews and include some humorous text message excerpts to and from family members. Step back in time to yesteryear and take a walk on the fun side of life. Collect bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos worn over the years.
Describe the dances and clothing characteristic of the time. Record the days when the kids decided to take over the kitchen and cook dinner? Record those secret serenades in the shower when the bather thought no one was listening. There’s nothing like seeing photo and video stories of failed attempts at inventions, recipes, and art compared to the look of glee when, after many attempts, they finally succeed.
Present your story at family gatherings
What better place to present family history than at your family gatherings? While family gatherings often feature traditional activities like picnics, recipe swaps, outdoor games, delving into family history and sharing it in an organized and meaningful way can be exciting. But good intentions are often met with distractions and a genealogy presentation project is often left undone.
Often the issue is time and delegation. Genealogy projects are often the last-minute item on the event agenda and with all the time and effort it takes to prepare for a meeting, the mental energy needed by the event planner is spent on the event itself. To put together a really engaging genealogy presentation, first find someone who is in the early stages of planning the event to carry out the tasks of compiling photographic and video documentation, as well as making copies of written journals. The next thing you need is a goal, some organization and inspiration.
The goal
There are a number of approaches to recording family life and history. Photos, videos, slideshows, audio, journals and more. Why not combine them all and create a 15-20 minute documentary complete with narration and soundtrack? these would be a hit at the next family gathering.
a bit of organization
There are some family reunion planning web apps that guide you through the process of hosting a successful and enriching genealogy-themed family reunion. Complete with online tools to help you do your genealogical research and worksheets to help you present your family genealogical records presentation style, you’ll have your family reunion event planned, organized, and ready to manage in no time.
Inspiration
Take time to watch popular documentaries about entertainment personalities and notable contributors to literature, science, medicine, and entertainment. You will likely find inspiration and direction for your family history presentations and documentaries. “Hey, looks like the suns are rising. Everybody outside and get the video camera!”